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Hives, for which the medical term is urticaria, affect about 20 percent of the population at some time during their lives. The skin lesions start with itching, often extremely intense, followed by swollen, red welts. The welts range in size from small spots to large blotches, roughly oval in shape, and up to several inches in diameter.
They sometimes sting or hurt. Hives are often caused by allergies, triggered by exposure to some foods, medications, or other substances.
There is a similar condition, called angioedema, in which the swelling is below the surface of the skin, forming large, thick, firm welts. They may be accompanied by swollen eyes and mouth, swelling of the hands, feet, and throat, difficulty breathing, stomach cramping, and chemosis, swelling of the lining of the eyes.
The affected areas may be painful and feel warm to the touch. It can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical attention.
Types Of Hives
There are two types of hives: acute, which are present for six weeks or less, and chronic, lasting six weeks or longer. The causes are very different.
Hives, both acute and chronic, are treated with antihistamines, oral and topical. Less commonly, oral corticosteroids may be used for more severe, persistent cases. Recurrent cases may be evaluated by an allergist. The most effective management is to identify what triggered the hives, then avoid or eliminate the trigger(s). In most chronic cases, the triggers cannot be identified.
Causes
Acute urticaria has virtually countless causes, including:
Allergies to foods, especially peanuts, eggs, nuts, and shellfish
Insect stings or bites
Medications, such as aspirin and antibiotics (sulfa, penicillin)
Heat, and/or cold
Exercise
Infections, including the common cold, urinary tract infection, strep throat, infectious mononucleosis, hepatitis, and other viral infections
Allergens which are present as particles in the air or that touch your skin
In most cases, the hives resolve when the cause is eliminated.
The cause of chronic urticaria often cannot be identified. It is thought to be related to a persons own immune system about 50 percent of the time. These cases are called idiopathic urticaria. Some types of chronic urticaria are associated with:
Changes in temperature
Exertion
Emotional stress
Alcoholic drinks
Fever
Hyperthyroidism
Menstrual periods
Pressure hives people sitting on their buttocks all day, or wearing a belt too tightly.
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Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.
